Bloomberg Unveils Plans For World's Tallest Ferris Wheel, To Be Built On Staten Island
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The "Eyes" have it, at least as far as Mayor Michael Bloomberg is concerned.
Bloomberg unveiled plans Thursday that would completely transform the Staten Island waterfront, in part by building the largest Ferris wheel in the world there.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports
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The Ferris wheel would be the centerpiece of a new complex which would also include a hotel, a 350,000 square foot retail space called "Harbor Commons" that would be adjacent to the Richmond County Bank Ballpark.
At 625 feet tall, it would be taller than the current tallest Ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer (541 feet), the planned "High Roller" wheel in Las Vegas (550 feet), and the London Eye (443 feet). The wheel would have 36 capsules, capable of carrying 40 people each.
WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reports
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"The Ferris wheel will be Staten Island's Eiffel Tower and its image will be imprinted on the brains of tens of millions of people who visit New York each year," Sen. Charles Schumer told reporters, including WCBS 880's Rich Lamb. "The Ferris wheel will be iconic. People will send postcards of it to their friends and relatives."
The mayor's office estimated the wheel would draw as many as 30,000 riders per day and 4.5 million visitors a year. A ride on the Ferris wheel would take about 30 minutes, start to finish.
"Our Administration has made major investments all along the North Shore of Staten Island, because we know this area is full of potential for economic growth," Bloomberg said. "But this newest plan is the most exciting of all. The New York Wheel will be an attraction unlike any other in New York City – even unlike any other on the planet. It will offer unparalleled and breathtaking views, and is sure to become one of the premier attractions in New York City and the latest exciting addition to our newly revitalized waterfront."
The mayor's office said the ride is expected to open on New Year's Eve 2015.
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